When Ohio-based Emily Holmes was looking to move out and get her own apartment, her parents decided to turn an “old and ugly” garage into a one-bedroom home for just $50,000 instead.
Beth Holmes, 50, and Kevin Holmes, 54, wanted their daughter to not spend all her money on rent and, instead, save it to buy a house one day.
“The world has become so expensive,” Mrs. Beth Holmes said.
When the couple suggested transforming the four-car garage, their daughter, a barista at Starbucks, jumped at the idea. The garage in question was a part of a neighboring home that the couple had purchased in 2018 for $70,000 and rented out as an Airbnb after spending just $75,000 on renovations.
“I thought it was a joke,” Ms. Emily Holmes said.
However, her father, a carpenter by trade, sat down with her to make blueprints and then got to work, spending nine months renovating the 600-square-foot space into a one-bedroom home.
In May 2021, Ms. Emily Holmes moved into the place with her Great Dane, Bruno.
“It’s perfect,” she said. “We designed the home so that [Bruno] would be able to freely move around.
“It’s catered to his needs as well.”
The house has an upstairs loft bedroom, a full kitchen and living area, a bathroom, a porch, and a garden.
Now, the 24-year-old can have her own independent space but still be near her family. She also pays her parents a “token” amount of rent, 150 pounds ($194) per month, but pays her own utility bills.
“It gives her a sense of independence but a sense of security,” Mrs. Beth Holmes said. “It helped her grow up and be an adult.”
Ms. Emily Holmes can pop over to the family home whenever she wants, and her mom often cooks her dinner after she’s finished an evening shift.
Since she struggles with anxiety and migraines, being close to her parents has been helpful, as they can provide her with the comfort and protection of a supportive family.
For her parents, this decision has given them a sense of peace knowing that they will always be near her whenever their daughter needs them.
Now, the parents are hoping to be able to do the same for their 15-year-old son and will give him the tiny home if Ms. Emily Holmes chooses to move out.
“I don’t think she is moving out,” Mrs. Beth Holmes said, adding that people have told them their daughter is lucky to have this space.
